Jason Gelios is an award-winning top producing REALTOR® with Community Choice Realty in South East Michigan, Author of the real estate book ‘Think Like a REALTOR®: A little book about buying and selling residential real estate through the eyes of a REALTOR®, Creator of The AskJasonGelios Real Estate Show, contributor of expertise to the likes of Yahoo Finance and REALTOR. com, Jason educates aspiring home buyers, sellers, and existing homeowners tips and real-world knowledge to help achieve their real estate goals.
Jason is also a local speaker educating mostly home buyers on the process of purchasing a home through local home buying classes in the Southeast Michigan area. He is known for his transparent and honest way of representing buyers and sellers and strives daily to change the perception that all real estate agents are the same.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you ended up writing a book?
I am a top producing REALTOR in South East Michigan who loves to educate people on the home buying/selling process. One of the things that I noticed about the industry is that many homebuyers lacked real-world knowledge when it comes to buying or selling a home. I wanted to create and offer something of value to those people and others I meet. This is what inspired me to write the book Think Like a REALTOR®.
I personally love books and when I came up with the idea of creating a book, it flooded my mind from there. I started the project and never looked back. Even in the digital age, many people still prefer print books over digital articles or eBooks.
What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
My hope is that readers will take the great advice and tips that I provide in this book and implement them in the real world to potentially save thousands on the home buying/selling process. I also hope that they gain an understanding of the real estate agent’s role through the real-world cases I share. That there is more to real estate than just putting a home on the MLS.
What are the top three tools you are currently using to write, publish, and promote your books?
When I was writing my book I was mainly using Evernote to capture ideas wherever I was. I would get a good thought or something I wanted to share and I would add that thought in the app. Then I would fine-tune it more when I was in front of a computer. When I was ready to self publish the book, I utilized a local printer for the first run. I also took advantage of the publishing program that Ingram Spark and Amazon offer. They allow you to publish your book and they even offer distribution on major and minor websites.
I consider myself a real estate professional first, so I typically promote my book in my local area and through social media. I have also offered a couple of free copies to the libraries in my Metro Detroit area.
What were the top three mistakes you made publishing your book what did you learn from it them?
One of the top mistakes I have made was taking too long to create it. I wanted perfection and felt like I was chasing a dangling carrot. When I start my next book I will create tighter deadlines to follow. Other than that I haven’t really made any other mistakes.
When will you consider your book a success?
I feel my book has already been a success. I have had many compliments and positive feedback from the book. My goal was really to just create something of value and not really to sell a bunch of books. Although I still focus on the sales of the book; don’t get me wrong. LOL
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
I had initially struggled with sitting down to write the book. I have always had a hard time sitting in one place for too long so to be focused for a large amount of time formatting the book and working on the design, it was a struggle.
When creating the rough draft, you start off with so many pages only to have it condensed once it is revised. But I’m glad I made it through the process, and I plan on doing it again.
What is the one thing you wish you knew before publishing your book?
One of the things I wish I knew before I started writing the book is the potential that it would have in terms of distribution. I had no idea that my book would reach people out of my state or that it would be available on major outlets like Barnes and Nobles. I guess it boils down to not thinking bigger with the book and what I want it to accomplish.
One of the biggest benefits of having my book is the hyper-local effect on those I meet with. Many professionals in my space simply hand out a business card and/or brochure when they meet with a potential client. When I hand out a copy of my book, I get a much better response from the gesture. I feel people will keep a copy of a book versus a marketing piece. Secondly, I use the book to break the ice with people I would like to work within my area. The real estate industry is very crowded, so anything you can do to stand out from the pack is crucial.
If you had the chance to start your career over again what would you do differently?
The only thing I would have done differently in my career is I wish I started earlier in life. While I found my niche and passion in my mid-thirties, I would have loved to have started my career earlier in my 20’s. But I guess past experiences shape us into who we are. That experience probably makes me a better professional and I have more of an appreciation for what I do. I feel I can relate to most people because I have been through a lot.
I mostly read self-education books geared towards marketing and building a better me. I would recommend anything from Gary Vaynerchuk to Jeffrey Gitomer. They have been huge inspirations to me. When it comes to courses I recommend that anyone obtain higher education in their chosen profession. Seek out courses on what you want to be better at.
If you only had $1000 dollars to promote a new book, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
Tough question. I would provide $1,000 worth of free copies to potential first-time buyers in my area through an event or a local attraction.
I feel everyone has a book in them that needs to be released. Whether you are looking to share a professional experience or a personal story. New authors should create an outline of things they want to cover in their book and work from there. Also, realize that it takes time to write a book. On the same note, don’t focus too much on perfection. Authors should have a system to capture thoughts and ideas that come up no matter where you are.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is by Zig Ziglar
“You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.” I read this daily and it motivated me professionally and personally.
– Zig Ziglar
Who should we interview next and why?
I would love to see an interview with Jeffrey Gitomer. He is a down-to-earth Author despite his fame. He provides great insight.
Random Bonus: With the game on the line and 5 seconds on the clock, who takes the last shot? Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, or Lebron James?
I don’t know a whole lot about sports but I would be crazy to not pick MJ! Even non-sports guys like me know that he is a huge achiever and never quits.
How can we get in touch with you?
The best way to reach me is by email JasonGelios@ItsAllAboutTheRealEstate.com or my website ItsAllAboutTheRealEstate.com
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